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Lancashire rejects shale gas exploration

Cuadrilla says it is “surprised and disappointed” at Lancashire County Council’s decision to deny planning consent for its application to explore for shale gas at Preston New Road, particularly as the decision follows a positive recommendation by the Council’s Planning Officers.

The company is planning an appeal, saying that it completed the most comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments ever carried out for operations of this kind.

The application to drill, frack and test at Preston New Road was refused on the grounds of noise and visual impact. Commenting on the decision County Councillor, Marcus Johnstone, said: “The development control committee has listened very carefully to many hours of evidence both for and against the proposal, and considered the report of the council’s planning officers. The decision to refuse this application has been reached by a vote of the committee, which is composed of elected councillors, and each member of the committee has ultimately cast their vote based on the evidence they have heard and whether they think the proposal is acceptable in planning terms, and to the people they represent.”